p. 154 | What's the Reason? by A. A. H.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 13, 1875

What's the Reason?

By A. A. H.

Many query what is the reason of so many converts to the popular churches so soon backsliding, and frequently argue that it is on account of the strong opposition of the wicked; but we think the churches may take the blame mainly to themselves. The chief difficulty is that wrong inducements are held out to the world to bring them into the church—we cannot expect figs from thistles. When the church hold out worldly amusements before the ungodly to bring them into the fold, they must expect when they fail to provide those amusements, those converts, will go back to their old pleasures and pursuits.

If we want men converted to Christ, we must hold up the commandments of Christ and the promises he left us. We must preach the word. Professed “bride of the Lamb,” away with your fairs, Christmas parties, levees, oyster suppers, sociables, sewing circles and dramatic clubs. Away with your novel reading, man-made essays, and written sermons. Come out from politics, Free Masons, Good Templars, Odd Fellows, Grangers, and other worldly organizations. Down with your pride of fashion, and stifle your thirst for worldly honors. Preach not the wisdom of man's words nor come in the excellency of speech; but come in the name of the God of Heaven and in the power of the Holy Ghost. Come uniformed with the Christian armor, and armed with the sword of the Spirit, the word of God. Come with divine boldness, and in the name of the God of Israel hurl the sling stone.—A. A. H., in Biblical Messenger.